Teen Editor Elizabeth Horner is a team leader for a group of Teen
Scribes who were also participants in the recent Power of the Pen
Regional and District competitions. She works with them on a weekly
basis to improve their writing skills and to expand their horizons in a
variety of areas. The following brief essays explored “Emotions” from a
teen’s perspective… and how they drive thoughts and actions. Check them
out… they provide a valuable insight into today’s youth and the
communicators and leaders of tomorrow.

Emotions
by Elizabeth Horner

Benjamin Franklin was interested in creating a universal language, but
some sociologists theorize that the way we express our emotions comes
close to that. We turn our lips up when we are happy or furrow our
brows in anger and our mouths form an “o” of surprise. The reason is
because everyone possesses similar emotions. It is part of what makes
us human in the first place, and we are both strengthened and weakened
by those feelings. For example, I can feel anxious before going
in front of a crowd to deliver a speech. Butterflies churn in my
stomach, blood rushes to my cheeks as I take that microphone but that
same worry also ensures that I practice before each event because I
don’t want to embarrass myself. Some members of Teen Scribes have
been exploring emotions to write about, in an attempt to discover the
ways our feelings affect us, and how we use them to effect change.
Regardless of the old saying, “We are slaves to our emotions,” I
believe we can all make choices that improve the way we feel. It’s like
finally learning how to manipulate a new language.

Jealousy
By Leslie Logan

Jealousy. It gets a hold of everyone at some point and
time. Your best friend gets an “android” cell phone while you
still have a “track”. The “odd girl” in your algebra class starts
dating your crush. Your cousin is driving a cool car while you
are stuck with your grandpa’s hand me down. Jealousy can make a
person act “crazy”. If you are the jealous type, you can end up
destroying good relationships. Jealousy can bring you heart aches
and many types of pain. Jealousy is the type of feeling you may
hate because it also comes with other emotions such as anger, fear and
sadness. You may view jealousy as something bad for the negative
feelings it triggers in people. But I think jealousy is very
human and a natural thing that we all go through. It can be
difficult to control in many situations but it is also not impossible
to overcome and turn into something positive. Jealousy can remind
you of the things that you have taken for granted or areas you need to
work or strive harder at. Jealousy can force you to ask the
question, “Why am I jealous?” and compel internal reflection that can
lead to improving and bettering your self or highlighting the positive
points that propel you to move forward.

The D.C. Trip
By Christal Smith
A fictional story and an exercise in creative writing

The bus ride to Washington D.C. was long and uncomfortable and in all
honesty, it was tricky to train your bladder to not go when it wanted
but it was nice to see your face though at each stop. I tried to
pay attention to the amazing sites of the trip but of all things, I
couldn’t help but stare at you. On the cruise, we took pictures …
together. I convinced myself you had a thing for me too.
Silly me! The same day I noticed another boy. I later found
out he wanted my best friend. But you and I were hanging out
every chance we got. Is love in the air? Not. I’m
14. I really do not know what love is but back home on the last
day of our 8th grade, you found out that I like you but you never
answered. Stupid eight grade crushes. I know better to not let
this happen again.

The Smithsonian
Dinosaurs!
By Leslie Logan

The all girls’ charter bus was about 75% asleep at the truck stop early
morning when we had to change and get ready for our first day in
Washington D.C. After we were all primped and perfumed, our tour
guide explained our activities for the day. I caught on at the
end of her explanation, something about “The Smithsonian”. I
laughed to myself as I remembered the movie, “Night at the Museum” with
all the exhibits coming alive. I turned to my friend and said in
a little-kid voice, “Chrystal, you gonna get eaten by the dinosaurs at
the Smithsonian!”

Christal’s sleepy eyes widened and that started our random little-kid
argument. Our hotel roommates in the trip found it hilarious so
they recorded it and posted it on “Facebook”. It’s one little
event in our trip but we had good, good times … and oh, by the way, we
didn’t get eaten by any dinosaurs!